Testing begins Monday on PG&E pipeline that exploded in NW Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Testing on a 20 foot damaged section of the PG&E pipeline that burst causing a massive gas explosion last month is set to begin Monday.

The explosion happened April 17th at the Peace Officers Gun Range in Northwest Fresno. 16 people were injured including several Fresno County jail inmates who work at the facility and a county road worker.

Lawyers representing some of the injured asked a Fresno superior court judge to stop the testing until they had more access to the process. The judge said his court has no jurisdiction over the issue. The attorneys say they don't trust the testing company. PG&E says the firm was hired by the public utilities commission.

Attorney Warren Paboojian said, "So our concern is why would you want the same experts in the San Bruno case that PG&E hired in this case. I think our community deserves better and I think we need transparency."

Testing will be recorded on video for the first day. The arguing attorneys say they will continue to work out details of the testing and observations.